December 4, 2010

Source: Hareevu online (Maldives)

MALE, December 4 (HNS) – President Mohamed Nasheed Saturday released the Climate Vulnerable Monitor 2010, a major new global report on the state of the climate crisis by DARA, a Madrid based leading humanitarian organisation, and the Climate Vulnerable Forum (CVF), a group of committed most vulnerable countries.

The Climate Vulnerability Monitor, backed by leading international authorities on climate change, reveals distinct vulnerabilities in 184 countries and all regions of the world to short-term impacts of climate change, and categorises these countries based on the degree of their vulnerability to climate change. The Maldives is categorized acutely vulnerable – a country most vulnerable – to the impact of climate change.

The report makes a strong case for climate adaptation funding for the most vulnerable and developing countries by the developed countries.

The Monitor points to a large-scale crisis with some impacts of climate change increasing by over 300 percent globally, if climate change is left unchecked and its impact not addressed properly.

It affirms that virtually all harm caused by climate change can be prevented through readily available and cost-effective responses.

The Monitor echoes President Nasheed’s assertion that if climate change was left unchecked and went business as usual, what happens to frontline countries such as the Maldives would happen to the rest of the world.

Its findings suggest that in less than 20 years, almost all countries in the world will realise high vulnerability to at least one major climate impact as the climate change worsens, supporting the president’s argument.

Speaking at the launch of the report held in London, President Nasheed highlighted the need for an immediate and efficient mechanism to finance climate adaptation in most vulnerable countries such as the Maldives.

British Special Representative for Climate Change John Ashton and Director General of DARA Ross Mountain joined President Nasheed at the launching ceremony.

Reaffirming the Maldives commitment to become carbon neutral by 2020, the president reiterated that those who follow the Maldives lead and adopt renewable energy and green technologies would be the winners of the 21st century.

The Climate Vulnerable Monitor 2010 was produced by DARA in conjunction with Climate Vulnerable Forum convened by the government of Maldives in the lead up to COP15.

The report distils foremost science and research for a clearer explanation of how and where populations are being affected by climate change already today and in the near future, while pointing to key actions that reduce these impacts.